FAU commit Trey Rodriguez visiting Southern Miss this weekend

Daytona Beach Mainland running back Trey Rodriguez, who committed to FAU on Thursday, stuck with his plans to visit Southern Mississippi this weekend.

The Sentinel caught up with Rodriguez on Friday via text message just before boarding his flight for Mississippi. When asked if he thought the Southern Miss coaching staff could change his mind on his commitment to the Owls, Rodriguez responded, "Nah I don't believe so."

Rodriguez, the No. 3-ranked player in the Sentinel's 2014 Central Florida Super60, is on his first official visit. Southern Miss, coming off two very disappointing seasons, has won just one game since an appearance in the 2011 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. The Eagles would love to have a player of Rodriguez's ability in this class.

They have one carrot to dangle in former FAU offensive line coach and interim offensive coordinator Luke Meadow, who was hired this past week as the Southern Miss offensive line coach. Meadow had been part of the recruiting efforts of FAU's pitch at Rodriguez before new running backs coach Roger Harriott swooped in to help seal the deal.

Rodriguez, who will take his official visit to FAU next weekend, seems quite content with his FAU choice at this point.

"I haven't even stepped foot on campus there yet, but I like the new coaching staff, my new running backs coach and the opportunity they're giving me to come in and start as a true freshman," Rodriguez texted.

He has been to the FAU campus, attending camp there this past summer, but not since the new coaching staff of recently hired head coach Charlie Partridge took over.

Rodriguez also has taken into strong consideration the distance from home when weighing his college options. He has a one-year old daughter and does not want to be too far away from Alia, or her mother, Cameron.